The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received reports from officials in Kogi State on incidences of malpractices, particularly the incident of result sheets completed before voting.
In a statement released from the Commission on Saturday over the ongoing Gubernatorial election in three States of Nigeria, namely Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa.
Reports indicated that the incidents occurred in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas while the most serious incidents occurred in Ogori/Magongo, affecting nine of 10 Registration Areas.
The Commission said this is entirely unacceptable, adding that any result not emanating from the INEC’s process in the Polling Units will not be accepted.
The Commission is determined not to reward bad behaviour. “Consequently, the election in the nine Wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) is at this moment suspended.
“The incidences in the other Local Government Areas are being thoroughly investigated, and the outcome, including the way forward, will be announced in the next 24 hours”, the Commission said.
The Commission said further, “As the processes continue, we follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process.
“We have a record of all officials deployed at various levels as supervisors, monitors, technical staff or polling unit officials and all election materials issued. Appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary”, the Commission said.